Packaging system for the display and sale of objects

ABSTRACT

A packaging system receives objects for display and sale. The system includes an outer sleeve that has a surrounding sleeve wall with an open end and a window opening so as to have an open interior. A housing can be inserted through the open end of the sleeve so that the housing becomes encased in the sleeve. The housing includes a housing wall that has a raised portion that defines a shoulder to engage an edge portion of the window opening thereby to resist removal of the housing from the sleeve. The housing may include a base member and a cover member that nest with one another. The raised portion of the housing may be bowed and may have a pair of shoulders that abut opposite edge portions of the window opening. The edge portions and the shoulders may be arcuate in configuration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly relates to packages used in the packaging of selected items for display and sale. More particularly, the present invention concerns packaging for items for consumer sales. The present invention is particularly directed to packaging of delicate objects, such as Christmas tree ornaments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern commerce requires the shipment of a wide variety of goods from raw material sources to manufacturing sites and thereafter to various points of distribution. When goods are shipped from vendors to retail sellers, for example, they are usually transported in bulk. Hence, the housings used for shipment are selected both for price and utility. However, where consumer goods or placed on display for sale, the packaging must be attractive. On one hand, the packaging must not to detract from the appearance of the product so as to lessen the perceived value. On the other hand, attractive packaging serves to capture the attention of the consumer. Often, it is desirable that the items placed for sale be visible through the packaging so that the consumer may appreciate what he or she is about to purchase.

There is a plethora of packaging systems which have been used over the years. One of the most prevalent is the common paperboard box. Such boxes may be used to hold items for sale, and it is known to print the boxes both with information about the product as well as with decorative or attention getting artwork to attract the consumer's eye. In order to show the contents of the box, it is also known to provide a window in the paperboard box with this window then being enclosed by a transparent membrane, such as cellophane. Since this type of packaging has been used for many years, some company's consider that the appearance of this packaging is dated.

A packaging system of more recent vintage is that known of the “clamshell”. The typical clamshell used for packaging included two pieces which are hinged together with matching edge portions. The two pieces may be folded into a confronting relationship so as to enclose one or more objects. The confronting edges are then sealed together so as to create a durable package. While durable, clamshell packaging is fairly expensive and requires heat sealing after the object is placed in the side of the unfinished package.

Traditionally, delicate objects such as Christmas tree ornaments have been packaged in boxes provided with a transparent window. Here, a rather lightweight tray is formed with cavities to receive the ornament. This tray is then inserted into a rectangular box having a window formed of a transparent film material so that the ornaments may be viewed. While this type of packaging has proved adequate in the past, it has some disadvantages. One disadvantage is that such packaging may not be strong enough, even in normal circumstances, to protect the delicate ornament placed therein. Another disadvantage, as noted above, is that this packaging system can appear more antiquated and less modern. Additionally, such packaging may be difficult to open and use by the consumer.

Despite the wide variety of packaging systems available, there remains a need for improved packaging systems which are more modern in appearance and useful in construction. There is a further need for packaging systems that can be assembled and disassembled with a minimum of effort. A further need exists for packaging systems, used with delicate objects such as Christmas ornaments, that is modern in appearance and construction. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful packaging system that is adapted to receive one or more objects for display and sale.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system that is easy to assemble and durable in use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system that has components which interlock to prevent inadvertent opening yet which may be readily opened when desired.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system for delicate objects, such a Christmas ornaments, that enhance protection to the object and which is durable.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide packaging systems that are modern in appearance.

According to the present invention, then, a packaging system is provided that is adapted to receive at least one object for display and sale. Broadly, the packaging system includes an outer sleeve that includes a surrounding sleeve wall defining an open interior with at least one open end. The sleeve wall has a window opening formed therein of selected size and geometric shape so as to have a peripheral window edge. A housing is then provided with this housing being sized and adapted for close fitted insertion through the open end of the sleeve so that the housing is encased in the sleeve. The housing includes a housing wall that has a raised portion disposed thereon so as to define a shoulder. This raised portion has a size and shape adapted to engage the window opening in an engaged state such that the shoulder abuts and edge portion of the peripheral window edge when in the engaged state thereby to resist removal of the housing from the interior of the sleeve.

In the exemplary embodiments, the outer sleeve includes two open ends, and the raised portion has a pair of oppositely oriented shoulders. Each of these shoulders abut oppositely disposed edge portions of the peripheral window edge when in the engaged state thereby to resist removal of the housing from the interior of the sleeve through either end. To this end, in the exemplary embodiments, the raised portion has a shape that is geometrically similar to the shape of the widow opening. With this structure, the shoulder extends completely around the raised portion and is substantially contiguous with the peripheral window edge.

Both the sleeve and the housing, in the exemplary embodiments, are formed of stiff yet flexible material, such a paperboard and plastic, respectively. Moreover, it is desirable that the raised portion be substantially transparent so as to allow viewing of the contents of the interior of the housing through the raised portion.

In order to facilitate the interlock of the sleeve and the housing, the exemplary embodiments disclose that each shoulder which abuts an edge portion of the peripheral window edge when in the engaged state is arcuate in configuration. Moreover, the raised portion itself may have an upper surface that is curved or “bowed” in shape. According to the exemplary embodiment, the housing is formed of a two piece construction, including a base member and a cover member that are adapted to nest with one another in a nested state. The base member then has at least one cavity adapted to hold an object for display and sale; the cover member is adapted to enclose the cavity when in the nested state. The raised portion of the housing may then be disposed on the cover member.

For convenience, but not by necessity, it is desirable that the outer sleeve have a generally rectangular cross-section so as to includes a sleeve top wall, a sleeve bottom wall and a pair of sleeve sidewalls. These walls then define an open interior with opposite open ends with the sleeve top wall having the window opening formed therein. The housing also has a generally rectangular cross-section with the housing being sized and adapted for close fitted insertion through a selected open end of the sleeve thereby the encase the housing in the sleeve. The housing includes a housing upper wall that has a raised portion disposed thereon between opposite upper wall margins so as to define a pair of oppositely disposed shoulders. This raised portion has a size and shape adapted to engage the window opening in an engaged state such that each shoulder abuts an edge portion of the peripheral window edge when in the engaged state thereby to resist removal of the housing from the sleeve. Here, if desired, the housing may include a pair of housing end walls which are longitudinally spaced from one another such that, when in the engaged state, the end walls form ends for the sleeve. The housing may also include a pair of housing sidewalls that confront the sleeve sidewalls when in the engaged state.

The sleeve top wall may be defined by a pair of longitudinally spaced apart strips extending transversely between upper edge of the sleeve sidewalls. These strips may then have facing strip edges that are arcuate is shape. The shoulders of the housing are then correspondingly arcuate in shape so that the raised portion may interlock with the window. Here, the shape of the raised portion of the housing upper wall is again geometrically similar to the shape of the window opening. To facilitate this interlock, the upper wall margins of the housing may be outwardly arched or bowed relative to the sleeve sidewalls.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the housing is constructed of a base member and a cover member that are adapted to nest with one another in a nested state. The base member has at least one cavity adapted to hold the object for display and sale. The cover member is adapted to enclosed the cavity when in the nested state. The raised portion may then be located on the cover member. Both the base member and the cover member may have opposite sidewalls and opposite end walls that confront one another when in the nested state to increase resistance of the packaging system to top to bottom compressive forces.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the packaging system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded side view in elevation of the packaging system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outer sleeve used to create the packaging system of FIG. 1 and is shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken about lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5(a) is an end view in elevation of the sleeve of FIG. 4 shown with both transverse strips thereof in a normally planar state, and FIG. 5(b) is an end view in elevation similar to FIG. 5(a) with one of the transverse slips shown in a bowed state;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the base member used with a two part housing structure of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken about lines 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken about lines 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the cover member used with the housing of the packaging system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken about lines 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken about lines 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the interlock between one shoulder of the raised portion of the housing and one peripheral window edge portion of the sleeve;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the packaging system of the present invention top plan view showing a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a third exemplary embodiment of the packaging system according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an end view in elevation of the packaging system shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the packaging system according to the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the packaging system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention broadly concerns packaging system that may be used to hold one or more items for display and sale. This packaging system may be used to contain any of a wide variety of objects but it is particularly useful in the packaging of Christmas tree ornaments, for example only. The present invention generally includes a housing sized and adapted for close fitted insertion into and interlock with an outer sleeve. Thus, the housing has a raised wall portion that interlocks with a window opening in the sleeve.

Accordingly, in order to understand the concepts of the present invention more thoroughly, a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is introduced in FIG. 1 as packaging system 10. Packaging system 10 includes an outer sleeve 12 and a housing 14 that is sized and adapted for close fitted insertion into the interior of sleeve 12. Packaging system 10, as shown in FIG. 1, is displaying four Christmas tree ornaments 16.

With reference now to FIG. 2, it may be seen that housing 14 is formed of a base member 40 and a cover member 60 that are adapted to nest with one another in a nested state (such as shown in FIG. 1). When nested, base member 40 and cover member 60 define the housing 14 that may be inserted into the interior of sleeve 12.

To this end, sleeve 12 is best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 5(a) and 5(b). In these figures, it may be seen the sleeve 12 is tubular in shape with a generally rectangular cross-section. Thus, sleeve 12 includes a sleeve bottom wall 22, a pair of sleeve sidewalls 24, and a sleeve top wall that is defined by a pair of transverse strips 26 that are longitudinally spaced with one another and which extend between the top edges of sleeve sidewalls 24. Accordingly, sleeve 12 has an interior 28 to receive housing 14 and a pair of opposite open ends 34 which allow access to interior 28. Top wall 25 formed by strips 26 thus has an open window 30 of a selected size and geometric shape. Open window 30 has a peripheral window edge 32 extending therearound. Strips 26 accordingly have facing edges 33 that are arcuate in configuration, as best seen in FIG. 3.

Housing 14 in this embodiment is of a two-part construction. However, it should be fully understood that the present invention does not require that the housing be of a two-part construction and, indeed, it may be a single piece or a multi-piece, depending upon the desired packaging requirements. Housing 14 in this first embodiment, however, includes a base member 40 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6-8 and a cover member 60 illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 9-11.

Base member 40 is constructed of a substantially transparent molded plastic material so as to have a base member top wall 42, a pair of base member sidewalls 44 and a pair of base member end walls 46. Top wall 42 has a plurality of cavities 48 formed therein which, in this embodiment, are configured to receive Christmas tree ornaments 16 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. It should be understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the number or shape of cavities, however.

Cover member 60 is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 9-11. In these figures, it may be seen that cover member 60 is sized and adapted to nestibly receive base member 40. Cover member 60 includes a cover upper wall 62 a pair of spaced apart cover sidewalls 64 and a pair of longitudinally disposed cover end walls 66. When in the nested state, sidewalls 44 and 64 confront one another and, likewise, end walls 46 and 66 confront one another. This helps increase the strength of the housing 14. Cover upper wall 62 includes a raised portion 70 that is located opposite upper wall margins 72. Raised portion 70 is arched in configuration so that it “bows” outwardly relative to sidewalls 64. Accordingly, the upper wall margins of the housing 14 would likewise be arched or bowed outwardly relative to sleeve sidewalls 24 when housing 14 is inserted into and interlocked with outer sleeve 12.

Raised portion 70 and margin portions 72 accordingly form oppositely oriented shoulders 74 that are both outwardly bowed and arcuate in shape. The radius of curvature of shoulder 74 is selected to be approximately the same as the radius of curvature of edge portions 33 of window 30. Indeed, it is desirable that raised portion 70 has a shape that is geometrically similar to the window opening 30 but very slightly smaller in dimension.

In order for a customer to visually observe the contents of packaging system 10, it is desirable that raised portion 70 substantially transparent. To this end, cover portion 60 may be conveniently molded out of a clear plastic material such as acetate. Likewise, base member 40 may similarly be molded out of a clear plastic material such as acetate. On the other hand, outer sleeve 12 may conveniently be formed out of suitable paperboard stock, for example, having a stock thickness of between about 14 and 20, depending upon the size and desired strength of the package.

In use, objects, such as ornaments 16, are placed in the cavity in the housing, such as cavities 48 in base member 40. Cover member 60 and base member 40 are then nested with one another so that cover member 60 encloses the cavities in the base member. This nesting forms housing 14 which may be then inserted through a selected open end 34 in outer sleeve 12. At this point, it should be appreciated that to accomplish this insertion, it is necessary to deflect one of transverse strips 26 as is illustrated in FIG. 2 (in phantom) and in FIG. 5(b). By first deflecting a strip, such as transverse strip 26′, raised portion 70 may then be inserted between the deflected strip 26′ and sleeve bottom wall 22 so that raised portion 70 engages window opening 30 in an engaged state, such as shown in FIG. 1.

With reference now to FIG. 12, it may be seen that when cover member 60 and base member 40 are nested, end walls 66 and 46 confront one another as do sidewalls 64 and 44. An interlock is achieved since the shoulders, such as illustrated shoulder 74, abut the edge portions, such as edge portions 33, of peripheral edge 32 of window opening 30. In this position, margin portions 72 are in confronting relation with transverse strips 26 with the bowed configuration helping achieve the interlock of the window opening 30 and the raised portion 70. Moreover, the end wall of housing 12, as defined by end walls 46 and 66, form and end enclosure for open ends 34 of sleeve 12.

As noted above, it is not required in the present invention for the housing to be a two-piece construction. Moreover, it is not critical for the present invention that the housing and sleeve be rectangular in cross-section. Thus, for example, as is shown in FIG. 13, a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the form of packaging system 110. Packaging system 110 includes an outer sleeve 112 that is cylindrical in shape and which has opposite open ends, such as open end 34. Outer sleeve 112 has a window opening 130 formed in the sidewall 124 thereof. A cylindrical housing 114 is illustrated in FIG. 13 and is sized and adapted to be inserted into the interior of sleeve 112. Housing 114 includes a raised portion 170 that is geometrically similar in shape with window opening 130 so that, when inserted, raised portion 170 has shoulders 174 which abut edge portions 133 of window opening 130. This engagement interlocks housing 114 and sleeve 112 together in a manner substantially the same of that described with respect to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 14-17 illustrate additional exemplary embodiments of the present invention in order to show that the window opening of the outer sleeve and the raised portion of the housing may take different geometrical shapes. In FIG. 14, for example, window opening 230 of packaging system 210 is in the shape of a parallelogram. Accordingly, raised portion 270 of the housing 214 is a geometrically similar parallelogram so that shoulders 274 will abut edge portions 233 of window opening 230. Transverse strips 226 are accordingly trapezoidal in shape. Here, also, as is illustrated in FIG. 15, margin portions 272 are not outwardly bowed but are planar in configuration.

FIG. 16 depicts a packaging system 310 having an outer sleeve 312. Here, window opening 330 is elliptical in shape. Likewise, raised portion 370 of housing 314 is a geometrically similar ellipse so that surrounding shoulder 374 will engage peripheral edge 332 of window opening 330. Since the principles of the interlock of housing 314 and sleeve 312 should now be readily apparent to the ordinarily skilled person in this field, they will not again be described.

Finally, turning to FIG. 17, it may be seen that a packaging system 410 has an outer sleeve 412 and an inner housing 414. Here, window opening 430 is a four pointed star so that raised portion 470 of housing 414 is a geometrically similar four pointed star. Again, shoulders 474 abut peripheral edge 432 of window opening 430.

From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that any of the various features described with respect to any of the embodiments may be employed on the other embodiments, with different embodiments being illustrated to teach that a wide variety of configurations and structures are within the scope of the present invention. Indeed, the underlying features of the present invention are the use of an outer sleeve with a window opening formed therein and a housing that engages the sleeve in close-fitted relation with the housing having a raised portion that defines a shoulder to abut an edge portion of the peripheral window edge to resist removal of the housing from the interior of the sleeve.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein. 

1. A packaging system adapted to receive an object for display and sale, comprising: (A) an outer sleeve including a surrounding sleeve wall defining an open interior with at least one open end, said sleeve wall having a window opening formed therein of a selected size and geometric shape so as to have a peripheral window edge; and (B) a housing sized and adapted for close-fitted insertion through the at least one open end so that said housing is encased in said sleeve, said housing including a housing wall that has raised portion disposed thereon so as to define a shoulder, said raised portion having a size and shape adapted to engage the window opening in an engaged state such that the shoulder abuts an edge portion of the peripheral window edge when in the engaged state thereby to resist removal of said housing from the interior of said sleeve.
 2. A packaging system according to claim 1 wherein the shape of the raised portion of said housing wall is geometrically similar to the shape of the window opening.
 3. A packaging system according to claim 1 wherein said housing includes a base member and a cover member adapted to nest with one another in a nested state, said base member having at least one cavity adapted to hold the object for display and sale and said cover member adapted to enclose the cavity when in the nested state.
 4. A packaging system according to claim 3 wherein said raised portion is disposed on said cover member.
 5. A packaging system according to claim 1 wherein said sleeve is formed of a stiff yet flexible material.
 6. A packaging system according to claim 1 wherein said housing is formed of a stiff yet flexible material.
 7. A packaging system according to claim 1 wherein said raised portion is substantially transparent.
 8. A packaging system according to claim 1 wherein the edge portion and said shoulder that abuts the edge portion when in the engaged state are both arcuate in configuration.
 9. A packaging system according to claim 1 wherein said raised portion has a pair of oppositely oriented shoulders, each of said shoulders abutting oppositely disposed edge portions of the peripheral window edge when in the engaged state thereby to resist removal of said housing from the interior of said sleeve.
 10. A packaging system according to claim 9 wherein both of the edge portions and said shoulders that respectively abut said edge portions when in the engaged state are arcuate in configuration.
 11. A packaging system according to claim 1 wherein said raised portion has an upper surface that is bowed in shape.
 12. A packaging system adapted to receive an object for display and sale, comprising: (A) an outer sleeve having a generally rectangular cross-section and including a sleeve top wall, a sleeve bottom wall and a pair of sleeve side walls defining an open interior with opposite open ends, said sleeve top wall having a window opening formed therein of a selected size and geometric shape so as to have a peripheral window edge; and (B) a housing having a generally rectangular cross-section and sized and adapted for close-fitted insertion through a selected open end of said sleeve so that said housing is encased in said sleeve, said housing including housing upper wall that has raised portion disposed thereon between opposite upper wall margins so as to define a pair of oppositely disposed shoulders, said raised portion having a size and shape adapted to engage the window opening in an engaged state such that the shoulders each abuts an edge portion of the peripheral window edge when in the engaged state thereby to resist removal of said housing from the interior of said sleeve.
 13. A packaging system according to claim 12 wherein said housing includes a pair of housing end walls longitudinally spaced from one another such that, when in the engaged state, said end walls form ends for said sleeve.
 14. A packaging system according to claim 12 wherein said housing includes a pair of housing side walls that confront said sleeve side walls when in the engaged state.
 15. A packaging system according to claim 12 wherein said sleeve top wall is defined by a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart strips extending transversely between upper edges of said sleeve side walls.
 16. A packaging system according to claim 15 wherein said strips have facing strip edges that are arcuate, said shoulders being correspondingly arcuate in shape.
 17. A packaging system according to claim 12 wherein said upper wall margins are outwardly bowed relative to said sleeve side walls.
 18. A packaging system according to claim 12 wherein the shape of the raised portion of said housing upper wall is geometrically similar to the shape of the window opening.
 19. A packaging system according to claim 12 wherein said housing includes a base member and a cover member adapted to nest with one another in a nested state, said base member having at least one cavity adapted to hold the object for display and sale and said cover member adapted to enclose the cavity when in the nested state.
 20. A packaging system according to claim 19 wherein said raised portion is disposed on said cover member.
 21. A packaging system according to claim 12 wherein said raised portion is substantially transparent.
 22. A packaging system adapted to receive an object for display and sale, comprising: (A) a tubular outer sleeve of generally rectangular cross-section including a sleeve bottom wall, a sleeve top wall and a pair of sleeve side walls defining an open interior extending longitudinally of a central sleeve axis between a pair of open ends, said top wall having a window opening formed therein of a selected size and geometric shape so as to have a peripheral window edge; and (B) an inner housing of generally rectangular cross-section sized and adapted for close-fitted telescopic insertion through one of said one open ends so that said housing is encased in said sleeve, said housing including (1) a base member having at least one cavity adapted to hold the object for display and sale, and (2) a cover member adapted to nestably receive said base member and enclose the cavity when in a nested state, said cover member including an upper wall and a pair of cover member side walls, said upper wall having a raised portion disposed thereon so as to define a shoulder, said raised portion having a size and shape adapted to engage the window opening in an engaged state such that the shoulder abuts an edge portion of the peripheral window edge when in the engaged state thereby to resist removal of said housing from the interior of said sleeve. 